Mediterranean Beef Stew Recipe
If you’re looking to transport yourself to the warm, sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean, then there’s no better way than through the aromatic, rich flavors of a hearty beef stew. This Mediterranean Beef Stew recipe, lovingly crafted to bring the essence of European culinary tradition right into your kitchen, promises to be a delightful adventure for your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy winter brunch or a hearty dinner, this stew is brimming with savory goodness and rich textures that will warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Recipe Description
This Mediterranean Beef Stew is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich and savory flavors of the Mediterranean. Made with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, this stew is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family brunch or a cozy winter dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its deep, hearty flavors and satisfying texture.
Recipe Category
- Stew
Keywords
- Meat
- European
- Kosher
- Winter
- Savory
- Brunch
- Oven
- < 4 Hours
Ingredients
To create this delectable Mediterranean Beef Stew, you will need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil – 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Beef stew meat – 1 1/2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Mushrooms – 3 1/2 cups, sliced
- Carrots – 2 large, sliced into rounds
- Onions – 1 1/2 cups, chopped
- Celery – 1 1/2 cups, sliced
- Garlic cloves – 2 large, minced
- Water – 1 1/2 cups
- Dry red wine – 1 cup
- Dried thyme – 1/2 teaspoon
- Kosher salt – 1 1/4 teaspoons
- Fresh coarse ground black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
- No-salt-added stewed tomatoes – 2 cans (14.5 ounces each), undrained
- Bay leaves – 2
- Black olives – 1 cup, pitted and halved
- Red wine vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped
Nutritional Information
For those who are health-conscious, here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 251.1 kcal
- Fat: 7.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 72.6 mg
- Sodium: 590.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.4 g
- Fiber: 3.2 g
- Sugar: 5.3 g
- Protein: 27.2 g
Recipe Servings
This recipe serves 6 people.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious Mediterranean Beef Stew. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure your stew comes out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Heating the Oil
Begin by heating 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This will provide a rich, flavorful base for the stew and help to brown the beef to perfection.
Step 2: Browning the Beef
Add the 1 1/2 pounds of beef stew meat to the hot oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring to brown all sides evenly. This step is crucial for sealing in the juices and adding depth of flavor to your stew. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables
Next, add the 3 1/2 cups of sliced mushrooms, 2 sliced carrots, 1 1/2 cups of chopped onions, 1 1/2 cups of sliced celery, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the same pan. Cook these vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the vegetables to soften and release their delicious flavors, creating a wonderful base for the stew.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pan. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of water, 1 cup of dry red wine, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper, and 2 cans of no-salt-added stewed tomatoes (including their juices). This mixture will form the savory broth for your stew.
Step 5: Cooking the Stew
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the Dutch oven and let the stew simmer for about 1 hour. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the beef to become tender.
Step 6: Adding Final Touches
After 1 hour, stir in 1 cup of pitted and halved black olives. Continue to cook the stew for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have fully developed. Discard the 2 bay leaves before serving.
Step 7: Finishing the Dish
Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to add a touch of acidity and brightness to the stew. Sprinkle the dish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Mediterranean Beef Stew hot, accompanied by a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth. A side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the savory stew.
Tips and Variations
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute beef broth for the water.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- To make this dish even more Mediterranean, consider adding a handful of fresh basil or oregano towards the end of cooking.
- For a low-carb version, replace the carrots and celery with bell peppers and zucchini.
- If you love a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
Enjoy Your Culinary Journey!
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a dish that not only fills your home with tantalizing aromas but also brings joy to those who share it with you. This Mediterranean Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with every bite. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure. Happy cooking! 🍲✨
